Friday, September 2, 2011

Tennesse Tech Expectations and Predictions

When Tennessee Tech has the ball-


Last season they were about as balanced an offensive team as you can get, averaging 157.4 and 157.5 yards per game rushing and passing respectively. Their offensive philosophy is similar to that of Oregon’s, if you run more plays you can score more points. That being said, this will be a great test for Iowa’s defense, who has historically had problems with high tempo type offenses. Returning for the Golden Eagles is quarterback, Tre Lamb #9, a dual threat quarterback that only stands at 5’9”. His favorite target will be Tim Benford #3, who will probably leave Tech as the record holder of almost all their career receiving records. They will use a rotation in the backfield and put them in motion to try and use their speed to gain the edge. Their offensive line is average, but are solid at the kind of offense they run, rarely are they asked to pass block for more than a three to five step drop. The stronger side of the line is the left side which includes Scott Schweitzer, an all Ohio Vally Conference preseason selection. Make no doubt about it, this offense will test the Iowa defense stamina later in the game.

When Iowa has the ball-

The Golden Eagles will deploy a defense on Saturday that is ill-fitted to defend a Big Ten offense. Their defensive ends tip the scales at 230 and 240 and gave up nearly 200 yards rushing per game last season. Look for them to stack the box to try and stop the potent Iowa running attack, leaving them susceptible to the play action pass game. Their linebackers are on the small side as well with the inside backer at 210 and one of the outside at 215. As is with most underdogs, look for Tennessee Tech to take some chances defensively in a game where they really have nothing to lose. If they watch the game film from two years ago they will see that Vandenberg had trouble reading the Minnesota blitz and try to confuse the first year starter.

Hawkstop’s Predictions:

Score
Iowa – 42
TT – 7

Iowa continues their dominance in the turnover category, forcing 3
Vandenberg finishes with 170+ yards and three scores
Coker has a monster game with 175+ and 2 scores
McNutt has a very pedestrian game with 50+ and 1 TD
Martin-Manley bursts onto the scene with 100+ yards a 1 TD
We see the jailbreak screen for the first time in years
Christian Kirksey has an INT and fumble recovery to go with 6+ tackles

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